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The YOGAY Underwear Guy

Last night I had the pleasure to attend a Barefoot Networking event at the Pratique Yoga studio in Lawrenceville, called YOGAY, and it was wonderful. Lawrenceville is really coming along, and I have to admit, every time I’m over there, I could kick myself for leaving 10 years ago, but that is a different blog post. Let’s talk about YOGAY!

YOGAY is a special yoga class for the LGBT community that is part of owner, Lilith Bailey-Kroll’s larger program, “Yoga Is My Life Insurance.” Beautiful in both execution and concept, the program partners with non-profit organizations to offer free or reduced classes for its members. YOGAY does not yet have a non-profit sponsor yet, but meets the 3rd Friday of every month from 6-7PM. Where is the GLCC when you need them?

But last evening wasn’t a usual class. Instead it was more of a reception/party to hang out and network with other folks within the GLBTQ community and Larenceville businesses that work with Pratique. For me, this is very effective networking and community building. Too often gay and lesbian groups think that they have to do some huge overly expansive plan and action, when really “community” is built by fostering one-on one interactions between people who might not otherwise have a chance to talk and get to know each other. Perhaps it resonates so well with me, for it uses a similar approach that I spoke about in my blog last week or so, describing how activism needs to become intimate as opposed to commercial.

There were many individual points about the event that made it memorable and worthwhile. Top of the list to be sure, was meeting Lilith and learning more about Pratique, YOGAY and her approach to yoga. But really, there were many other things that made the evening such a treat. Lilith had one of her students there for a brief demonstration, and he was cute as could be in a pair of YOGAY underwear. (See what you missed?) The spread of food and beverages was also thoughtful and special. But to top it off, Lilith had prepared a small gift bag for everyone to take. These were not only filled with cool stuff, but the bag was hand- silk screened.

To learn more check out the Pratique website.